Lucius had been kept awake by thoughts of Cassie. He could still her lips on his and the warmth that radiated from her.

She was a true beauty, kind and intelligent. He didn't mean for it to happened but could feel himself growing more attached to her. He hoped, and maybe even sensed an attachment on her part too.

The door to his bedroom opened and a weary Cassie lingered by the door. "Sorry, didn't meant to wake you."

Lucius could see that Cassie had been crying. "Are you ok?"

"l….I had a nightmare about dad."

Lucius didn't say anything, he just lifted the duvet, under which Cassie quickly climbed. "Get some sleep, we have a meeting with Umbridge in the morning."

"What is the plan for me, Lucius?"

Lucius sighed as he wrapped an arm around her, feeling overprotective and pressing his chest in her back. "They want information about Potter."

"I don't know anything about where he is or what he's doing. I wouldn't say even if I did."

"I know. I'm trying to convince them that they don't trust you anymore."

"Tell them that I was disowned. I won't give any of them up. I'd rather die."

"Get some sleep."

Cassie was the first to wake in the morning, still wrapped up in her husband's arms. She felt safe, secured by his warmth and steady breathing.

There was a genuine feeling between them. It was love, she wasn't sure if it ever would be. But there was affection between them.

Movement behind her, told her that her husband was stirring. "Morning."

Lucius pressed a kiss into his wife's shoulder. "Morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, quite well actually." She sighed happily as his arms tightened around her.

"Good. We don't have to see Umbridge until later, so we can enjoy the morning."

"You can stay here, but I'm hungry."

Lucius huffed as he let her go most reluctantly. "I'll be done once I'm dressed."

"Just put your robe and come down with me."

It was the most domestic thing. Lucius and Cassie together, eating breakfast and chatting. Lucius was going through the post and Cassie was reading the paper. They looked like a normal married couple, just enjoying an easy-going morning before their day started.

"There's a letter for you."

Cassie took the letter from him after she placed the paper down. She opened it and a single picture fell out. She studied the picture. It was her as a newborn baby with her mother. Cassie really was a brunette version of her mother. "Look, that's me as a baby with my mother."

Lucius looked at the picture and the resemblance was obvious. "You look just like her."

"It's nice to put a face to the name."

"We should get ready. We need to leave soon."


Cassie clutched on to Lucius' hand when they arrived at the ministry. She hated being there, knowing that her father's life ended there.

"Are you ok?" Lucius asked.

"I'll be fine."

Lucius gripped Cassie's hand as they were questioned by Umbridge. Cassie was mostly silent during the interview, and he knew just by that, she was nervous.

"How long must this farce continue?" Lucius asked, irritated by the vile woman's intrusive questioning. "We are living as husband and wife and sharing a bed. What else do you want?"

"Once your wife is pregnant, the interviews with cease, Mr. Malfoy."

"The conception of our first child is not your concern."

"The minister begs to differ."

"Then I will be having words with the minister." Lucius stood up without word and held his hand out to the Cassie. "Come on, my love."

They left Umbridge's office and headed to the minister's office. "Wait here." Lucius gently kissed his wife's forehead before he entered the office.

Cassie waited outside the office trying to not draw attention on herself. Fortunately, people mostly ignored her. However, there was one person who noticed her and made a beeline for her. Her heart sank when she saw Percy. He looked sad, scared. "Percy?"

"Cassie…" He said sadly as he stood in front of her. "Or do I call you Mrs. Malfoy now."

"I don't mind either."

"Where is the husband?"

"He's talking to the minister." Cassie looked at the office door awkwardly, willing Lucius to hurry up. "So, how is everyone?"

"Worried. Harry, Ron, and Hermione have disappeared, and you are married to a prominent Death Eater. How would you expect them to be?"

"It wasn't my choice, Percy." Cassie felt the tears springing in her eyes. "If it makes you feel better, he treats me well and has managed to keep the others away from me."

"Actually, that makes me feel worse."

Cassie scoffed. "Why? Do you want to play my savior? Well save it. Despite his massive flaws, he is a decent husband."

"Do you love him?" Percy asked sadly.

"No." It was true. She didn't love Lucius. "But for now, he's all I have."

Percy seized his moment just as Lucius left the minister's office, grabbing Cassie by the upper arms and kissing her on the lips.

Cassie pushed him away angrily, wiping her mouth. "What are you doing?"

Lucius seethed with anger as he clenched his fists so tight his knuckles went white. "Stay away from my wife." He sneered in Percy's face.

Cassie was fuming by the time she had got home with Lucius. He was in a foul mood and so was Cassie. She didn't even do anything wrong, but she was made to feel guilty for it.

"What is your problem?"

"You let him kiss you." Lucius said through gritted teeth.

"I don't not." She yelled indignant, storming off to her room with him in tow. "I don't know he was going to do that."

"You enjoyed it?"

Cassie growled. "Well, my husband won't touch me."

There wasn't time to regret or retract that statement because Lucius was on her, kissing her like his life depended on it. She wasn't aware of the fact that she was now in his room until her back had hit the mattress.

Neither could deny anymore how much they wanted each other.